Leonard at Large

Have you been there yet?

There is a new and great facility in operation serving the older citizens of Vernon County, the Vernon County Senior Center. It is a great asset for the community and a great place to go. Several older people have not been there yet; however, more and more are going to the center. One out of five in Vernon County are 60 years of age or older -- a large portion of the population.

Sandy Davis, coordinator, said that the center is growing "leap and bounds." The number going for the noon meal, (which I always referred to as dinner), is increasing.

The daily attendance has double compared to what it had been before making the move.

Before the average attendance was 25, it now averages about 50. Some days there are approximately 80 in attendance.

The Crawford House was a good location and served the senior citizens for a number of years -- it has a great history. Recently, Warren Hargus, of the extension community development retired, was in town and I took him to the new senior center for him to see and to have a cup of coffee. He was telling about working with the late Hugh Millard in helping to establish the senior center at the Crawford House. Warren gave credit to Hugh for getting the senior center started.

There was a sign dedicated to the memory of Hugh Millard at the Chapman Estates. It has been covered with a housing authority sign. This demonstrates how rapidly someone that has done an important thing in our history is forgotten and no longer recognized.

Many had predicted that by moving the center there would be less in attendance.

When locating the center at the new location, it was thought that it needed to be in a place that is more assessable. Many people wwere not aware that it existed and others had difficult finding it. By moving to the new location, it is easier to get to and easier to find.

In addition it is an attractive building -- something that gives everyone of us more pride that we have a facility of this type available.

It was designed so that it can be expanded in the future. Even before it opened, there was a prediction that it will not be long before it will need to be expanded. With the growth that is occurring and the need to expand programs, it is possible that this prediction will prove to be correct.

As we look back to the past, it does not seem long ago when obtaining a new senior center was proposed, I will admit, I did not think it would occurred in my life time.

Even after we knew that we were going to have it, I wondered if it was really going to be constructed. Now all of the effort to get the building for the senior citizens of Vernon County has been accomplished. We can enjoy the center and it will be there for those that become older in the future.

One person commented that he and his wife go to the center for the noon meal every day, "where can you eat any cheaper."

He said the food is good and they get a good serving. He is an example of the comments made by those eating at the center.

Those under 60 pay the full price. Citizens 60 and over are not charged for their meals, but a donation toward the cost of the meal is suggested. This gives those who cannot afford the meals an opportunity to eat a nutritional meal.

More money that is donated enables the funds to go farther and not as much money need to be obtained by fund-raising and other sources for the center.

One day last week, I stopped by to see a woman in her home who was in the process of eating a meal that had been delivered from the senior center. She commented that the meals are good and the servings are appropriate.

A large number of meals are delivered in Nevada and other places in Vernon County.

This helps enable our older population to remain in their home.

Recently, while at the center during the morning, there were several things going on. The kitchen staff were preparing the meal.

In one room a group of ladies were sewing, making stuffed dolls and toys to be given to children. In another room George Yarn, one of the many volunteers, was putting a computer table together.

In the room there are computers for seniors to use. More and more seniors are learning to operate a computer and making use of them. Many are getting on the Internet communicating with their family and friends.

Exercise equipment is in the same room. One of the things that I had suggested for the center as we dreamed about what needed to be included was a pool table.

In many ways I was not serious about it, but there is now a pool table available. I do not play much pool, but I was tempted to take time to play. Also, a game table is set up and usually in the afternoon there is a group playing cards or dominoes.

At the same time there were those gathering, preparing to deliver meals. This group of volunteers provide a great service. During the meal and after the meal, there are several volunteers who pitch in and help.

A group has established a coffee club meeting on Wednesday mornings.

Perhaps, sometime in the future the coffee club will be expanded to each morning during the week. It is suggested that if your schedule will permit, attend the coffee club on Wednesday mornings about 9:30 at the center.

Many seniors like to go to dances.

A senior dance will be held at the center this Friday night. This provides a good time for many people. More events of this type will continue to be held at the center.

The late city manager Wayne Neal considered a new senior center as being important for economic development in the community. It gives seniors a place to go and attracts seniors to the community or to remain in Vernon County.

Seniors spend a great amount of money and make a valuable contribution to the economy.

If you have not been to the center, it is suggested that you make an effort to go there. When you go you will be impressed with the nice facility and with the friendly atmosphere.